Lucky 3

Today is the start of our third year of marriage. The fact that we already have two years under our belt is still a little crazy to me. In some ways, it feels like our wedding was yesterday, but on another hand, it feels like we've already been through so much together as husband and wife.

In our second year, we only spent 4 1/2 months together...something I realized would be our "normal" long before I said "I do". In the next five months, I already know he'll be gone for at least one of them, along with a few weeks away sprinkled here and there. While I don't want it to seem like I'm complaining, and I would much rather have him around at all times, the distance and separation makes my love for him grow even stronger.

While mostly being magnificent, if I said these last two years were "easy", I would be telling a lie. We moved six times in the first two months, one of those being across an ocean, deployment was no simple experience, and a job where you leave the house at 5:00 and don't get home until 8:30 can definitely add some stress. However, those little frustrations have taught us valuable lessons. We've learned to be more patient and understanding. Our communication skills have grown and we are able to openly and honestly discuss any issue we may have. And although sometimes I forget, I've learned that every moment with John Ralph is important, so I should make the most of all of them.

There is no other man who can make me laugh like John Ralph. He wants me to be happy and does a great job at making sure that I am. I am blessed to have a husband who is a wonderful provider and supports me in all that I do.

I truly can't wait to see what our third year has in store for us. Our family has changed so much in the last two years and it excites me to imagine what the Lord has planned for our future together. I pray that we continue to be blessed beyond measure, and that we remain thankful for all that we share together.